They were called Cheddi people meaning Knicker batch. But from this Dasara they have changed to pants. The Khaki has replaced with chocolate brown color. They are pants batch.
With hands held to their chest in a pledge of allegiance, volunteers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS cast away khaki shorts, their trademark attire for 90 years, and donned trousers today, heralding a generational change in the organisation which is the ruling BJP’s ideological mentor.
The transformation in the RSS uniform comes into effect today – Dussehra day, which is also the organisation’s foundation day.
The RSS has also approved change in the colour of socks to be worn by its volunteers, replacing the old khaki with dark brown, to go with the brown trousers they would now wear, with white shirt and black cap. The traditional bamboo stick will, however, remain part of the uniform.
Volunteers in the northern and eastern states, which witness harsh winter, will also wear dark brown sweaters. Orders for the first lot of one lakh such sweaters have already been placed.
“Even though the readiness of society to work with Sangh on different issues has increased, the change in uniform has been made to take care of the comfort level and convenience while working. The transition heralds the change in Sangh in tune with the changing times,” RSS’ head of communications department Manmohan Vaidya said.
